Gardener

Arlington County VA•Arlington, VA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR)(DPR) is seeking an experienced Gardener to become part of a team that creatively develops outdoor spaces for the community's enjoyment! The Gardener will prepare, install, and maintain landscape beds, plants within parks, streetscapes, gardens, facility grounds, and public areas. Responsibilities Specific duties include: Operating small gas and battery powered tools and equipment to install and maintain landscape beds, natural woodland areas, and trees on streets and in parks; Monitoring the growth, development, and functionality of landscapes at County sites, including assisting with planning new landscape areas; Performing diagnostic horticultural work to monitor plant health, managing weeds and other pests using mechanical methods and pesticides ; Driving various vehicles, including pickup trucks, trailers, and CDL trucks; Maintaining the historic memorial rose garden at Bon Air; Maintaining the perennial and annual plants at the nursery and greenhouse. Providing technical horticultural information and advice to staff and the public on garden industry best practices and the science behind gardening, designing, and landscaping; and Collaborating with team members on landscape maintenance and installation, tree planting and tree watering, and insect/disease control. The ideal candidate will understand various types of plants, their uses, and cultural requirements, which includes understanding pruning guidelines, pest and disease management, soils and environmental requirements needed to maintain the health of plants. The applicant will also have strong interpersonal skills to facilitate a collaborative and team-focused work environment.

Requirements

High school diploma/GED
Two (2) years of experience in landscaping, gardening, horticulture, or a related field
Employee must obtain and maintain a Virginia Registered Technician's License within six (6) months of hire
Must possess a Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or have the ability to obtain within six (6) months of placement in role
The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or the applicant must provide a copy of the applicant's official state/district driving record
Any offer of employment will be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record
Any offer of employment will be contingent upon passing a pre-employment drug screening and alcohol breath test if applicable
The successful applicant will be subject to drug screening, at such times during employment, as required by the Department of Transportation (DOT)
A pre-hire background check will be required, which may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history
You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information

Nice To Haves

Experience with plant material identification, including the uses and cultural requirements for trees, shrubs, and perennials
Formal horticultural training
Using an automated work order system
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) A or B
Possession of certification(s) from: Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS); International Society of Arboriculture (ISA); National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP); Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association (VNLA), and/or similar organizations

Responsibilities

Operating small gas and battery powered tools and equipment to install and maintain landscape beds, natural woodland areas, and trees on streets and in parks
Monitoring the growth, development, and functionality of landscapes at County sites, including assisting with planning new landscape areas
Performing diagnostic horticultural work to monitor plant health, managing weeds and other pests using mechanical methods and pesticides
Driving various vehicles, including pickup trucks, trailers, and CDL trucks
Maintaining the historic memorial rose garden at Bon Air
Maintaining the perennial and annual plants at the nursery and greenhouse
Providing technical horticultural information and advice to staff and the public on garden industry best practices and the science behind gardening, designing, and landscaping
Collaborating with team members on landscape maintenance and installation, tree planting and tree watering, and insect/disease control